The Shepherd's Staff ministry is a vibrant ministry here at Water of Life Community Church that was born out of the desire to minister to the needs of individuals and couples who are experiencing times of conflict, struggles, concerns, transitions, or relationship issues. We have found many people never get the help they need for a variety of reasons, trustworthiness and cost as being high on the list. Most churches offer some kind of pastoral counseling but are unable to keep up with the demands, especially with the size Water of Life has become. So, God showed us a way to utilize a team of trained lay people who could assist others. Paul said it this way in Romans 15:14…"I am convinced my brethren that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another." Whence Shepherd’s Staff was birthed several years ago and many people have been helped and blessed through this ministry.

Training is divided into three phases:

  • Phase I – starting in September or January (Mondays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) These training sessions are held at Water of Life. In this phase various topics will be presented such as Grief, Boundaries, Depression, Anxiety, Step-Families, Anger, Dysfunctional Family Dynamics, Domestic Violence, Forgiveness, Ministering to Alcoholics, etc.
  • Phase II – You will be assigned a self-counseling project to work on at your own leisure. This will be assigned in class. If you have any questions, Glen Totten or JoAnne Flynn will help to facilitate this project.
  • Phase III – April – June, or September -November (Mondays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) This portion of the training program will focus on more of the practical aspects of care-giving and will incorporate role play exercises around such topics as interviewing, history taking, empathetic listening, and goal development.

Shepherd’s Staff Training is open to everyone; there are no prerequisites to participate in the training, and there are no costs. We welcome Water of Life trainees as well as trainees from other churches to participate in the training.

The perquisites for becoming a Shepherd’s Staff Caregiver are as follows:

  • Complete the 9 month Shepherd’s Staff training
  • Be a member of Water of Life (Completed DWOL, submitted paperwork and be accepted as a member)
  • Complete the classes required (may take classes during training)
  • Foundations (or equivalent)
  • Core Values
  • Ministry and Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 & 2
  • Ministry Team Training
  • Advanced Healing Training (Ministry Team Training 2)
  • Philosophy of Leadership
  • Submit the Application and Reference Forms

If you have any questions, please contact JoAnne Flynn at